Gabriel Pico, a newly elected council member of the Pechanga Band of Luiseño Indians, died on September 1 in Denver, where he had attended the Democratic National Convention.

The Riverside Press-Enterprise said Pico, 41, was involved in an altercation outside a nightclub in the early morning hours of August 31, after the convention ended. Some Pechanga-oriented blogs reported that he had been in the hospital in Denver, though details remain scarce

"This is a big loss for our Tribe," Chairman Mark Macarro said in a statement to the Press-Enterprise. "Though Gabe had only been in office a few weeks, it was evident that he was a tremendous asset to the council and the tribe. He will be missed dearly."

Police in Denver are investigating.

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Pechanga Tribal Council member dies in Denver (The Riverside Press-Enterprise 9/3)
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